Merrell was originally based in Vermont before being acquired by Wolverine Worldwide in late 1990's; thus Merrell now headquartered in Michigan. Back in the VT days they were famous for their rugged/fugly looks and every guy and girl over the mountain our way rocked them under worn Carhartt-double-fronts. This new collab w/ Orvis makes perfect sense in a way... these waffle stompers strike me as a psychological return to their roots and a clear move away from the futuristic Merrell styles of late (which are not all bad, but I just like these vintagey ones.) Really enjoying this resurgence by Orvis... [disclaimer: I grew up near Manchester VT so soft spot for the old rod and tackle company. Have nothing to do with them professionally.]